On Wednesday 26th November, Epsom College Malaysia welcomed George Peterkin from “Mind Your Health” to deliver a specialised training session for our Year 12 mentors who are part of the school mentor programme led by Mr Richardson. The session focused on developing essential skills for supporting mental health, both for themselves and for others. Students and pastoral staff participated in interactive workshops designed to equip them with practical knowledge, strategies, and confidence in promoting wellbeing within the school community.
The Year 12 mentors participated in a two-hour Wellbeing Warriors Course, exploring key aspects of mental health and learning how to support peers facing a variety of challenges. Through practical exercises and guided discussions, students developed skills in empathetic listening, sensitive communication, and recognising early signs of mental health difficulties. They also gained strategies to maintain their own wellbeing, understanding that looking after themselves is an essential part of supporting others effectively.
The course highlighted the importance of developing strong interpersonal skills, such as active listening, encouragement, and reassurance. Mentors were encouraged to reflect on real-life scenarios, practising how to approach conversations with peers in a supportive and non-judgemental manner. These skills are essential for fostering a safe and inclusive environment across the school, ensuring that students feel heard and supported.
In addition, some pastoral staff joined the training and took part in an extended session to achieve their Mental Health First Aid qualification. This additional training provided them with specialist knowledge to handle more complex situations, further strengthening the school’s pastoral support network. The combination of student and staff participation reinforced a community-wide approach to mental health, ensuring that the skills and strategies learnt could be shared and implemented across Epsom College Malaysia.
It was a highly engaging and informative day, with all participants gaining practical skills and insights to support mental wellbeing within the school community. The training will enable Year 12 mentors and pastoral staff to better care for themselves and others, fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and support at Epsom. The knowledge gained will have a lasting, positive impact on the wider school community.
Mrs Kate Fowler and Mrs Jenny Garnett
Deputy Headteacher, Pastoral Care & Students Wellbeing and Assistant Headteacher, Wellbeing and Behaviour